2006 Audi A6 Review

Domestic automakers are beginning to make some pretty good sports-luxury sedans, but they might never build one quite like the Audi A6 4.2 quattro, which exudes cool sophistication.


That's mostly because the sharp reflexes of the fast mid-size A6 4.2 quattro (all-wheel-drive) model call for it to lack some of the basic softness American automakers never seem willing to quite give up after more than 50 years of favoring comfort over all-out performance.

Conversely, German automakers such as Audi place a greater priority on performance, which gives their cars an edgy feel characterized as being "European.'' German cars have a good degree of comfort to cater to the big, lucrative U.S. market, but performance wins when push comes to shove in their design departments.

Japanese luxury car producers also never have quite matched European automakers because they also give comfort an edge over ultimate performance. Just look at Lexus, which has been wildly successful here with soft-edged models. No way will it produce an auto such as the A6 4.2 quattro. Why should it?

The attractive A6 got major changes for 2005, with new styling that has a controversial oversized retro grille from 1930s Audi race cars, a longer wheelbase to help provide more room and added horsepower.

The 4.2-liter V-8 that powers the A6 4.2 quattro actually is small by old U.S. car standards with a 254-cubic-inch displacement -- the kind once found in American economy cars. But features such as overhead camshafts, two-stage variable intake system and five valves per cylinder -- instead of the usual two -- let this silky V-8 generate 335 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. That's about double the horsepower and torque of old, small American V-8s.

The A6 4.2 quattro does 0-60 mph in just 6.1 seconds and reaches nearly 100 mph from a standing start during a quarter-mile run. This sedan is fast off the line and provides swift passing on highways, where it loafs 1,900 rpm at 65 mph.

Estimated fuel economy is acceptable for a fast, fairly large and heavy car: 17 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway.

Some might feel that this Audi's throttle action is too sensitive, causing overly abrupt initial acceleration from a stop and that its precise steering is a bit too light. Also, the brake pedal action is overly sensitive at low speeds, although stopping distances are commendably short.

The A6 4.2 quattro is one of few high-performance cars without a large, ugly plastic engine cover, and the alloy V-8 looks like a polished work of art. The hood raises smoothly to reveal easily reached filler areas for such things as oil and brake fluid in the neat engine compartment.

Backing the V-8 is an efficient six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with an easily used manual-shift feature, although a notchy shift gate complicates moves from, say, the park to drive gear positions.

The A6 4.2 quattro has Audi's advanced quattro all-wheel-drive system and a firm suspension. The result is outstanding road grip. Standard, wide 45-series tires on fairly large 17-inch wheels contribute to sharp handling. Meanwhile, the supple suspension easily soaks up road irregularities and doesn't allow body sway or wallowing. My test car had the $2,300 adaptive air suspension for an even better ride and wider 40-series tires on 18-inch alloy wheels for crisper handling.

The A6 4.2 quattro is loaded with standard comfort, convenience and safety features, including a power glass sunroof, automatic dual-zone climate control, Bose surround sound system, power front seats and steering column, leather seats and wood inlays for the dashboard, console and doors.

There are a fair number of options. Recommended for Chicago area residents is the $400 cold weather package, which has heated rear seats to accompany the standard, supportive heated front bucket seats.

Audi interiors are benchmarks for other auto companies, with contemporary designs and impeccable fit and finish. The quiet A6 4.2 quattro interior has backlit gauges that can be read quickly and an easily gripped steering wheel that is more functional than stylish. However, some might question the need for Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI) control system, which uses one knob on the console to replace regular dashboard accessory controls. While distracting, the MMI system isn't as complex as BMW's iDrive system.

Wide doors make it easy to slide in and out. Seating is comfortable for four tall adults, with a high, hard rear center seat area making it uncomfortable for a fifth occupant.

The big trunk has a rather high, but wide, opening and a lid that pops up well out of the way. And you get a full-size spare tire with a matching alloy wheel instead of a dinky space-save tire on an ugly wheel.

The Audi A6 4.2 quattro provides spirited, luxurious all-season driving. It's easily as good as many top-rated sports/luxury sedans. 

2006 AUDI A6 4.2 QUATTRO 

PRICES
$53,770

LIKES
Very swift. Sports sedan handling. Roomy. Beautifully built.

DISLIKES
Complicated control system. Touchy brakes. Notchy shift gate.